How to print with Ultimaker CPE+

Ultimaker CPE+ (co-polyester) is similar to Ultimaker CPE, but tougher and with greater resistance to temperature. Ultimaker CPE can withstand temperatures of up to 70 °C, while Ultimaker CPE+ can withstand temperatures of up to 100 °C. These tips will help you get started and achieve good results with Ultimaker CPE+.

Ultimaker CPE+ can be used as a single material on the Ultimaker 2+, Ultimaker 3, and Ultimaker S5 and can be combined with Breakaway in dual-extrusion prints. For more information, see our material compatibility guide.

Always use the latest version of Cura and make sure that your printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for Ultimaker CPE+.

Note: The information provided here applies to Ultimaker CPE+, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third party filaments.

Recommended Settings

Temperatures

The recommended nozzle temperature for Ultimaker CPE+ is 250 - 275 °C and the material requires a build plate temperature of around 110 °C. There is no CPE+ Cura profile for a nozzle of 0.25 mm diameter because it is difficult to extrude the polymer through such a small nozzle.

Note: On the Ultimaker S5 and Ultimaker 3 the nozzle and build plate temperature on the first layer may be different due to the 'Print Temperature Initial Layer' and 'Build Plate Temperature Initial Layer' settings in Ultimaker Cura.

Cooling

A low print cooling fan speed is sufficient for Ultimaker CPE+. This allows the material to cool slowly and retain its form. To allow an equal distribution of cooling throughout the print, the print cooling fan speed will increase gradually for shorter layers.

Adhesion

Ultimaker CPE+ is prone to warp and delaminate. The use of extra adhesion is essential for the best print quality and glass plate protection.

Accessories

We recommend using either the adhesion sheets to achieve reliable adhesion to the build plate. Alternatively, a thin layer of glue (included in the accessory box of your Ultimaker) can be applied to the glass plate, but adhesion to the build plate won’t be optimal. In addition to the adhesive properties, adhesion sheets or glue serve as a protective layer for the glass plate. Not using adhesion sheets or glue results in a high risk of chipping the glass plate when removing the print.

Ultimaker Cura build plate adhesion

In Ultimaker Cura profiles for CPE+, the build plate adhesion type is set to a brim for the Ultimaker S5 and Ultimaker 3 and raft for the Ultimaker 2+. A brim is made of a few extra printed lines around the 3D print on the initial layer to ensure better adhesion and avoid warping. A raft puts a grid structure between the 3D print and build plate that allows for better adhesion. The raft will also allow even distribution of temperature through the initial layers of the 3D print. A raft is highly recommended, especially for larger objects. After the 3D print is finished, the raft can be removed.

Note: It is easier to remove the raft if the build plate is still warm.

Printing conditions

Printing in a stable environment is important when using CPE+. Therefore it is highly recommended to use the front enclosure of the Advanced 3D Printing Kit (for the Ultimaker 2+ or Ultimaker 3). The front enclosure ensures a controlled environment inside the 3D printer, with a stable temperature of about 45 ºC. This provides a higher print success rate, and better quality and performance of the printed parts.

Health and safety

The Ultimaker CPE+ emits a low level of gasses and particles when 3D printed in accordance with the temperatures in the table above. To ensure a comfortable and healthy environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.

For more information, download the safety data sheet for Ultimaker CPE+ here.